Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Chesapeake is 13% more expensive than Providence.

$1,523/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 12%
$94,189/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 29%
$359,100 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 10%
$1,680/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 13%
251,153
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.99%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $190/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $2,280/year.

Median household income is $27,417/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Chesapeake slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Providence — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Providence?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $190/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Providence?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $27,417/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Rhode Island?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Providence details →

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